Beginning school was a thrill; I sprang from bed every day, fueled by enthusiasm and confidence. However, a sudden onslaught of anxiety put a devastating dent in my joy and vigor for learning. Despite my parents' best efforts, we were all clueless about addressing the issue. From loving school, I transitioned to dreading it entirely. Today, however, a young woman has devoted herself to aid students struggling like I once did. Though late for me, her actions inspire a lesson: Understand that educational struggles are common and seeking expert help can lead to conquering them, ultimately restoring the love

Restoration of Hope

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I tutored a fourth-grade girl battling math anxiety. Initially, her fear was so intense it brought her to tears during each lesson. Transitioning to fifth grade, her parents joyously informed me that she felt more confident with math. In fact, her best friend had even commented, "I thought you said you were bad at this?". This heartfelt feedback lifted my spirits, seeing a girl who once feared judgement now embracing and enjoying math. It taught me that patience, dedication, and support can open up a world of possibilities for those who struggle.

Tools of Triumph

The Hoolock AI’s rendition of "Declaration of Independence," a 12-by-18-foot oil-on-canvas painting by the American artist John Trumbull depicting the presentation of the draft of the Declaration of Independence to Congress. The work was commissioned in 1817, purchased in 1819, and placed in the United States Capitol rotunda in 1826 – where it remains.

'Declaration of Independence'

My multiplication tables were a nightmare, causing me countless stressful nights. My father dedicated his evenings to helping me devise methods to remember them. Triumphantly passing the test became a turning point, which shifted my perspective on studying. I began to respect the process and understood that with patience and determination, I could overcome any academic hurdle.

Respect for Diligence

Water. It’s a precious resource. Climate change impacts the world’s water in complex ways -- leaving some parts with too little and other parts with too much. These changes will put pressure on drinking water supplies, food production, property values and more in the U.S. and all around the world.

Rain

School Without Suffering's virtual school program caters to elementary through high school students, offering a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with academic standards while nurturing individual passions and strengths. During each step of their academic journey, we help students cultivate compassion for themselves and others, develop their values, and acquire the skills they need to thrive.

School Without Suffering

School Without Suffering is a virtual school and academic coaching practice for students who struggle with anxiety. Mission: We help students feel and do better. We teach them to master their mindset, set their systems, and persistently practice to achieve their goals while cultivating health and happiness.

The Schools on Trains program is for school or community groups with students in grades K-12 and their designated chaperones. For $17 per person (round-trip or one-way), school groups can ride Amtrak Cascades anywhere between Bellingham and Portland or between Portland and Eugene. 

Schools Tracks

The Commute

Collage art has been around for a while, but it became really popular in Europe in the early 1900s thanks to a group called Dada. These artists liked using all sorts of things, even stuff they found lying around, to create their art. Collages come in different flavors, such as: Paper; Digital; Mixed Media; Photomontage.

Joe Collage 

The birth of modern art can be traced to the Industrial Revolution. This period of rapid changes in manufacturing, transportation, and technology began around the mid-18th century and lasted through the 19th century, profoundly affecting the social, economic, and cultural conditions of life in Western Europe, North America, and eventually the world.

Modern Art

I loved waiting with my friends on the street corner for the bookmobile. I could check out 10 books to read for a week. It was the beginning of my love of reading.

Bookmobile Summer

Giving students access to art supplies and art instruction opens doors we can not even imagine -- yet. 

The reluctant painter

We need to ensure that underfunded public schools have access to art supplies and art teachers. Art is a human right!

Art is a right!

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” - Albert Einstein

Imagine

The contents of a book come to life through this fish. 

Imagination: Realistically

The Lonely Desk is intended to be a thought-provoking series of art pieces that bring attention to the important topic of mental health among students. Despite being surrounded by others, kids are often lonely or depressed.  

The Lonely Desk: Cornered

School Without Suffering Virtual School students can graduate with an accredited high school diploma, and are eligible to do so when they can successfully justify the following proposition to the satisfaction of the Diploma Committee: “My experiences during my stay at school have enabled me to develop the skills I need to thrive in the world that I am about to enter.” One part of their journey to get their is their coursework. With more than 500 courses across core subjects, advanced, electives, CTE, and world languages in our catalog, students have access to all the courses they need to be ready for the next step.

When kids are anxious about school, they might:<ul><li>procrastinate</li><li>refuse to read, write, or do math</li><li>spend all night doing homework</li><li>spend all night on their phone</li><li>yell, snap, cry</li><li>oversleep</li><li>over exercise</li><li>withdraw</li><li>become a class clown or even a class bully</li></ul><h2> </h2>Typical responses to these behaviors are:<ul><li>loss of privileges</li><li>stricter schedules</li><li>subject-specific tutoring</li></ul> While these may temporarily alleviate some of these symptoms, they don't lead to meaningful or lasting change. But with reliable support over time, students can maintain robust systems and routines to improve their academic performance&nbsp;and feel better doing it. Students in our Student Membership programs receive 1:1 academic coaching twice per week and small-group homework support Monday–Thursday. While getting help with their school work, the students also hone the executive function skills they need to sustain success through bite-sized, expertly designed courses that meet each student where they are to efficiently get them where they need to go. Donating to this campaign will help ensure that this kind of support is available to all students who need it, regardless of financial need. Let's make sure that anxiety does not stop any child from reaching their potential.

School Without Suffering is a virtual school and academic coaching practice for students who struggle with anxiety. We help students feel and do better by teaching them to master their mindset, set their systems, and persistently practice so they can achieve their goals while cultivating health and happiness. 

Our fiscal sponsor is 501(c)(3) nonprofit Institute for Education, Research, and Scholarships (IFERS).